• A process of teaching and learning
• Experiential teaching and learning
• A model of thematic instruction
• Teaching ecological concepts by integrating disciplines
• An analysis of issues
• Responsible environmental action
• Development of teacher/leaders
• Aligned with the Iowa Core Standards
• A great example of the Iowa Core’s Characteristics of Effective Instruction
• Inquiry based

Environmental Issues Instruction (eii) and Upper Iowa University presents:

Nourishing Our Water and Soil Through Sustainable Agriculture

This is an interdisciplinary, undergraduate or graduate level college credit course for all teachers PK-14 and other environmental educators.

Receive two college credits for a total cost of $275. This includes the college credit, food, lodging, and teaching materials. This is made possible by grant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), Resources Enhancement and Protection-Conservation Education Program, (REAP-CEP), and Upper Iowa University.

FIRST WORKSHOP: The first workshop will be held on the Upper Iowa University campus in Fayette on June 22, 23, and 24, and the update session will be held November 12 and 13.

>>Please register for the workshop here.

There will be three more workshops at locations throughout Iowa. Check back for locations and dates.

Issue: Should water and soil quality be considered when making decisions regarding land usage?

The Eii model utilizes:

• Next Generation Science Standards
• STEM-Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
• Project-Based Teaching and Learning
• Framework for K-12 Science Cross-Cutting Concepts
• Interdisciplinary Teaching and Learning
• Iowa Core Characteristics of Effective Instruction
• Differentiated Instruction
• The Learning Cycle/5E’s

Thematic Integration of:

• Environmental Education
• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Reading
• Social Studies
• Language Arts
• Fine Arts
• Physical Education

Course: EDU 461/561: Environmental Issues Instruction: Nourishing Our Water and Soil Through Sustainable Agriculture

Two hours of undergraduate or graduate credit from Upper Iowa University

Course Expectations:

• Attend two sessions-initial and update:
• Modeling of instructional levels
• Sharing the teaching experience
• Develop and teach unit between initial and update sessions
• Give evidence of student action
• Administer student assessment (pre-post)
• Prepare written report of experience

Instructional Model:

• I – Issue Analysis
• II – Ecological Foundations
• III – Energy Issues
• IV – Responsible Environmental Action

Instructional Support:

• Resource materials for integrating disciplines
• Provide consultation and materials for action projects
• E-mail and telephone contacts

Institutional Support:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• REAP-CEP (Resource Enhancement and Protection-Conservation Education Program)
• Upper Iowa University-Andres School of Education
• Iowa State University Extension Education
• Iowa Farm Bureau
• Izaak Walton League

Supported by grant funding from:

• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Iowa Resource Enhancement and Protection – Conservation Education Program (REAP-CEP)
• Upper Iowa University.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Dr. Barbara Ehlers
Associate Professor of Education (2010)
[email protected]
(563) 425-5322
B.A., Wartburg College
M.A., University of Northern Iowa
Ed. D., University of Northern Iowa

Coming soon!